Hanukkah Race: IDF soldiers give to the community for the holidays

Naval officers in training celebrate Hanukkah with a traditional race through the streets of Haifa and candle lightings with underprivileged children

Date: 20/12/2011, 1:05 PM Author: Matan Galin

Every year, soon-to-be IDF (Zahal) naval officers participate in a 19 kilometer race through the city of Haifa in honor of the eight-day Jewish holiday, Hanukkah.

The race supports the importance of physical activity and honors the holiday. Embracing pride in their unit and in Israeli traditions, the soldiers later participated in an event for under privileged children as part of their contribution to the community. The soldiers lit Hanukkah candles with the children, spreading holiday cheer.

200 IDF (Zahal) naval officers in training along with 50 Haifa policemen began the race at the Haifa University and continued through various schools in the area. The schools were prepared for the soldiers’ visit emphasizing IDF (Zahal) ethical values and years of tradition.

“We’ve received extremely positive feedback from all the schools,” explained Deputy Commander of the Navy Officers’ Academy, Maj. Dudi Ohaion. “The emphasis is on a meaningful service in the Navy and in the IDF (Zahal) at large.”